The Ultimate Getaway Terms & Conditions

These are the Terms and Conditions that will apply to your booking of The Ultimate Getaway (herein mentioned as “the retreat”). Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

These Terms shall constitute the entire agreement between Girlfriends Social LLC, SVG METHOD LLC and Gretchen Driscoll DBA Gretchen Driscoll Coaching (herein mentioned as “the Organizers”), and the Client relating to the subject matter herein, and shall constitute a binding agreement. There is no verbal or written; representation, warranty, prior agreement, or description of services, other than as expressed herein.

The contract and booking is made with, and services will be provided by SVG METHOD and Girlfriends Social. By booking the retreat, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions that govern the relationship, the cancellation policy and limitations of liability. These Terms and Conditions affect your rights and designate the governing law and forum for the resolution of any and all disputes.

BOOKING TRIPS & THE CONTRACT

All persons wishing to make a booking have carefully read and understand the Terms and Conditions that follow. By making a booking with the Organizers, you accept on behalf of yourself and all those named on the booking, to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the Organizers send a confirmation email, and when you have completed the deposit payment. Confirmation of your participation does not necessarily mean that your trip is confirmed to run. The Organizers ask that you refrain from purchasing non-refundable travel until you receive an email confirmation from them. In order for the retreat to take place we require a minimum of 8 participants.

DEPOSITS / PRICING

For the retreat, a non-refundable deposit of $100 per person plus submission of our online booking form is required to complete your booking. You may book a retreat with a deposit (down payment) until 60 days prior to the retreat start date, after which full payment is required to secure your spot (if any are still available).

All retreat prices shown are per person and are quoted and payable in USD. The Organizers are not responsible for any fees incurred due to currency exchange or fees charged by your credit card/bank for processing funds in another currency. The payment of the FINAL balance of the retreat price is due 60 days prior to the retreat start date in the currency advertised.

The total balance of the retreat will be paid either in full or in 3 consecutive monthly payments with the provided credit card. If a participant wishes to pay the retreat cost in 3 payments, they must contact the Organizers to receive a separate invoice. The invoice must be paid within 7 days of its creation. If the final balance is not received by the due date, then your booking cannot be guaranteed and the Organizers reserve the right to cancel your booking and forfeit your deposit.

If a booking is made within less than 60 days, your deposit including full payment will be required at your initial sign up. We DO NOT accept sign-ups less than 30 days prior to the retreat start date.

Unless stated otherwise, the price of your travel arrangement includes each and all of the component parts described within your booking confirmation invoice. Not included in the price of your travel arrangement are flights, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, tipping and any food or drink or additional excursions or activities which are not confirmed as being part of the retreat arrangements.  Additionally, any items or services purchased during a retreat are not included in the cost of your travel arrangement unless specifically stated.

*Please note deposits made on all bookings are non-refundable and non-creditable due to the requirement to purchase non-refundable and non-transferable essentials including but not limited to; accommodation reservations etc on your behalf to secure your spot on the retreat.

REFUND / CANCELLATION

We understand that unexpected events can arise that can affect your plans. You may cancel the retreat no later than 3 months prior to the retreat start date to receive a refund (less a cancellation fee equal to the deposit).

Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing (via email) and be acknowledged by the Organizers in writing (via email). Deposits are required to secure bookings and are under no circumstances refundable.

In the case of a natural disaster, the Organizers applies to the “act of god” rule and no fees will be reversed.

The Organizers reserve the right to cancel any retreat for any reason, but will not cancel less than 30 days before the retreat start date except for unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside the Organizer’s control. When a retreat is canceled by the Organizers before the agreed date of departure for any reason other than the fault of the Client, the Client can receive a full refund of all monies paid under the contract as soon as possible.

The Organizers are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. Where after departure a significant element of the trip contracted for cannot be provided, the Organizers will make suitable alternative arrangements for the continuation of the trip. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or the Client reasonably rejects any suitable alternatives, the Organizers will provide the Client a refund of unused tour portions. Where a significant alteration or cancellation occurs which is not due to Force Majeure or other circumstances beyond the Organizers's control, the Organizers will in some circumstances offer compensation. Significant alterations do not include the substitution of a transportation method, modification of itineraries, change in hotel accommodation or meal offering.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The Client must inform the Organizers on our registration form of any medical conditions, pregnancy, disability or any other mental and or physical condition which may affect fitness to travel, including medications you are currently taking. Failure to notify us may result in the Client being refused certain activities during the retreat at the Client’s own expense. The retreat may be unsuitable for Clients due to age, mobility, disability, pregnancy or physical or mental conditions, please email if you have concerns.

It is absolutely vital that you are accurate with your fitness level and medical conditions for your own safety.

The Organizers will do its best to meet special requests including dietary or physical limitations but such requests may not always be possible, in which case the Organizers reserve the right to refuse Clients with certain conditions.

The Organizers will do its best to meet Client’s special requests including dietary, but such requests do not form part of the Contract and therefore the Organizers are not liable for not providing these requests.

As a client, you MUST carry medical insurance. Medical facilities vary from territory to territory and the Organizers will do their absolute best to bring you to a proper medical facility as needed, but make no representations and give no warranties in relation to the standard of such treatment.

AIRFARE

The retreat does not include national or international airfare. The Organizers strongly recommend you wait until the trip is confirmed to run before booking airfare or making any non-refundable travel arrangements.

TRAVEL & HEALTH INSURANCE

The Organizers recommend Clients obtain travel medical insurance. This insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses including, but not limited to, helicopter evacuation, air ambulance and repatriation.

It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client during travel. The Organizers shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended by the client in public lounges or other public areas, whether on board a train, bus, or other mode of transportation, publicly owned or operated by the Organizers or elsewhere, are not reimbursable. Losses due to ordinary wear and tear, and other acts of God are not reimbursable. The Organizers cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by the Organizers such as hotels, huts, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation.

The Client acknowledges that the cost of the retreat does not include insurance and that the Client has been advised to obtain separate coverage at an additional cost. When obtaining travel insurance the Client must ensure the insurer is aware of the type of travel to be undertaken.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND COSTS

The Organizers, local guides or other representatives' decisions will at all times be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. We reserve the right to prohibit any traveler from continuing on a trip with no right of refund if, in our opinion, that traveler’s actions pose a threat to the safety of others, to the wildlife, themselves, or if the traveler’s actions and/or behaviors are harming the enjoyment of the trip for others.

Evacuations costs are to be covered by the person being evacuated

CLAIMS & COMPLAINTS

If a Client has a complaint against the Organizers, the Client must first inform the Retreat Leader or guide at the earliest opportunity to allow the grievance to be rectified. If satisfaction is not reached, contact the Organizers so that they are provided the opportunity to rectify the matter. Failure to indicate dissatisfaction whilst on retreat will result in the Client’s ability to claim compensation from the Organizers being extinguished or at least reduced. If satisfaction is still not reached through these means on retreat then any further complaint must be put in writing to the Organizers within 30 days of the end of the trip.

SUPPLIERS & INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

Hotels/accommodation, shuttle services, excursions or other elements of the Retreat may be arranged by the Organizers with local suppliers who may themselves engage the services of local operators and/or sub-contractors. The Organizers will at all times endeavor to appoint reputable and competent local suppliers. The terms and conditions of the suppliers will be applicable. These may limit or exclude the liability of the supplier. The liability of the Organizers will not exceed that of any supplier. Local laws and regulations of the relevant country will be relevant in assessing the performance of the services of any supplier. Neither the Organizers nor any carrier is liable for independent contractors.

SAFETY & TRIP ENJOYMENT

We take your safety and well-being very seriously. However, you are ultimately responsible for your safety, which is why we ask all retreat participants to sign a liability waiver before departure. To avoid possibly dangerous situations, it is extremely important that you obey any rules and regulations imposed by the Retreat Leaders and/or Local Guides and instructions given by them.

The Organizers reserve the right to prohibit any Client from continuing on a trip with no right of refund if, in our opinion, that Client’s actions pose a threat to the safety of them, others, or to the wildlife, or if that Client’s actions or behaviors are seriously jeopardizing the enjoyment of the trip for others. The decision of the Retreat Leader or representative will at all times be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. All Clients must, at all times, strictly comply with the laws, customs, and drug regulations of the state visited, and the Organizers will not accept responsibility or liability for any Client who contravenes any laws or other regulations of any state visited.

HEALTH & FITNESS

The Retreat should not be overly strenuous for people who are healthy and reasonably fit. If you (or anyone on whose behalf you are booking) are affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect your or other people’s enjoyment of the trip, you must advise us of this at the time of booking. If your health or fitness changes between the time of booking and your trip departure date, you must notify the Organizers of these changes before the retreat starts.

PHOTOS, VIDEO AND CONTENT CREATION

In the course of participation in the Retreat, photos or video may be taken by participants, guides and professional photographers. These images may be used in any of the Organizers’s promotional materials, website, all social media platforms (i.e. Instagram), etc., unless Clients specifically request to the photographer or in writing to the Organizers, to not use any material your image is depicted in. Otherwise, permission is granted to the Organizers to perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.

RETREAT ITINERARY CHANGES

The Organizers and its partners reserve the right to alter retreat programs and itineraries due to weather, road conditions or other circumstances. These programs may be changed or canceled at any moment due the trip to assure the safety of our clients and staff. No responsibility is accepted for losses, expenses due to delays, changes of flights or other services because of strikes, accidents, sickness, damage, negligence, weather, war, changes in schedules or other similar causes. The Organizers and its partners do not assume responsibility for accidents or deaths that can be traced to the participants’ negligence, acts of third parties or exterior circumstances such as weather, natural occurrences, ware or other similar causes.

DATA PROTECTION

To ensure that retreats run smoothly, the Organizers need to use personal information (such as name, address, special needs, health conditions, dietary requirements etc.) provided by Clients to the Organizers, and also pass on such information to other outfitters/guides or suppliers involved in the operation of the retreat. The Organizers  will apply appropriate security measures to protect such personal data and will only pass on data that is applicable to outfitters or suppliers responsible for the retreat. By completing the terms and conditions form, Clients consent to this information being transferred as required.

LIABILITY

The Organizers are not responsible for any improper or non-performance of any services forming part of the Contract which are wholly attributable to the fault of the Client, the unforeseeable or unavoidable act or omission of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services to be provided under the Contract; unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the Organizers and/or the relevant supplier, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised including (but not limited to) an event of force majeure; or any event which the Organizers and/or the relevant supplier could not even with all due care have foreseen or forestalled.

In the event that the Organizers are responsible for any death, injury or illness caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of its suppliers of services which form part of the Contract then the Organizers limit their liability.

ACCEPTANCE OF RISK

The Client acknowledges that the nature of the retreat is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. By booking the Retreat, the Client acknowledges they have considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges, and expressly assumes the risks attendant to such travel conditions. The Client is solely responsible for acquainting themselves with customs, weather conditions, physical challenges, and laws in effect at each stop along the itinerary. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Organizers from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages or injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks. At the time of payment, the Client is required to sign the Organizers’s Terms and Conditions. Please read carefully.

SEVERABILITY

In the event that any term or condition contained herein is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this Agreement or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining Terms and Conditions to survive and continue as binding.

SUCCESSORS & ASSIGNS

These Terms and Conditions shall insure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Organizers and the Client and their respective heirs, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns.

APPLICABLE LAW

The Contract and these Terms and Conditions are subject to the laws of Puerto Rico and Massachusetts, USA.

WAIVER OF BOOKING CONDITIONS

These Booking Terms and Conditions may only be waived or amended by written mutual consent. When a Client completes, submits and makes the payment for booking their place for a retreat, they agree to accept all these conditions, and when the booking is accepted, the Organizers agree to carry out the obligations as defined therein.

UPDATING OF TERMS & CONDITIONS

The Organizers reserve the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at any time, and it is the Client’s responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions may be found on the Organizers’s  website.